Elder William Willes Taiwan Taipei: BACK-TO-BACK

"It was one of those nights where all of the setbacks and frustrations of a mission disappear

and you forget them all because the joy is so sweet. Lai4 Jie3 Mei4 asked if she could bear her testimony. She went up there like a BOSS and shared how much prayer has helped her. And whenever she faces trials she thinks of the phrase, "I am a daughter of God. He will help me!"

Dear Friends and Fam,

This week was another good one. Mainly because we had back-to-back baptisms! Lai4 Jie3 Mei4 was baptized on January 3rd and confirmed on January 4th. So so so so so cool!

Sean, Elder Jensen, Elder Willes and Lai4 Jie3 Mei4

Lai4 Jie3 Mei4 with her family

We did a lot of preparation for her baptism because we really wanted a lot of members to come and support her. It was really cool because her husband and two kids also came to support her which was awesome! Her son who is 10, is really cute, and we are hoping to start meeting with them and get them in the water! We had LOTS of members show up for the baptism. We also had all the members sign a card and give it to her. The chapel was full just like a packed house at a sporting event haha. It was great. Sean, the miracle man we found 4 months ago, baptized her and did great! He practiced that prayer over and over again! 1st times a charm :) It was great.

Elder Jensen, Elder Willes, Lai4 Jie3 Mei4 and her family, Sean and Xiang4 Mu4 Jie3 Mei4 on the far right who was baptized on Christmas Day and is moving to Japan on January 24th. We are in the process of helping her
get situated in her ward in Japan.

At the baptism our missionary district sang Nearer My God to Thee and it was really cool. It was one of those nights where all of the setbacks and frustrations of a mission disappear and you forget them all because the joy is so sweet. I'm sure that's how Lehi felt after being rejected and mocked but then tasting the fruit of God's love. Super cool. Lai4 Jie3 Mei4 bore a great testimony. It was cute because she prepared a little talk and shared a lot about how her faith has grown so much and she's so excited to start her journey on the straight and narrow path. It was great too because last week's baptism Xiang4 Mu4 Jie3 Mei4 was there and sat next to Lai4 Jie3 Mei4 and helped her every step of the way. It's cool to see how both of our RC's have become such great friends.

Then the Ward Mission Leader and the Bishop asked me if I would confirm Lai4 Jie3 Mei4 the following day in Sacrament meeting. So I had the privilege of confirming her a member and participate in helping her receive the Holy Ghost. I was really nervous but I'm grateful it was fast Sunday because I was fasting and praying hard so I would know what the Lord wanted to say. It was a really special moment for me and one I can't really describe. I know the spirit guided me and helped me. It was super cool and Lai4 Jie3 Mei4 was crying after. :) She said she felt like she had a lot of spiritual strength. Then during fast and testimony meeting she asked us if she could go and bear her testimony. We were like OF COURSE! Do it! She went up there like a BOSS! Shared Alma 34:8-12 about how prayer has helped her so much and whenever she has trials she just thinks of the phrase, "I am a daughter of God. He will help me!" It was so powerful. She is so golden! She and Xiang4 Mu4 Jie3 Mei4 are great. Love them both so much!

Sean, Lai4 Jie3 Mei4 (who always give us fruit) with Elders Willes and Jensen.
These small oranges reminded me so much of home.

Also at church a 10 year old boy went up and bore his testimony about how at school for New Years the teacher gave everyone a cup of tea. He told the teacher he couldn't drink tea, and then the teacher started questioning him and making fun of him. But this brave 10 year old shared how good he felt for standing up for his beliefs and how God had helped him. Talk about a testimony right there! YEAAAA. This week was so great!

Tired after a long and busy day

Then on the street we had a white guy from Europe self contact us and tell us that he was a less active member but really wants a Book of Mormon again. He testified to us he still knows the church is true. It's really cool and we hope to meet with him this week. It's awesome how the Lord places people in our paths. Miracles appear daily.

My bike was stolen over 4 months ago. I finally ordered and received my new bike.
Soooooo much better! That thing flies!

Buddhist Temple

A big Buddhist Temple

Inside the Buddhist Temple

I got to go on exchanges with Elder Nelson this week and we had a few cool lessons with some students. The weather here is pretty warm. I hope everyone is enjoying the cold back at home. I will enjoy the warm and sun for now :) Love you all! Set some new years goals of how to become a better person! You will see changes.